College Course Subsidy Information Packet 2015-2016 Preschool Enrichment Team A program of Valley Opportunity Council Educator & Provider Support of Western MA Region 1 Learn about the science of brain building and why our future depends on it. BrainBuildingInProgress.org 1
History of the Educator & Provider Support Grant Beginning July 2010 the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) developed a new grant initiative to support professional development for the early education and care and out-of-school time fields. The Educator and Provider Support (EPS) grant focuses on 3 core areas of the professional development system: (1) Educator and provider planning (2) Coaching and mentoring (3) Competency development Through this grant EEC is supporting the pathways that lead educators to degree attainment and increased competency and supports providers (programs) in attaining and maintaining accreditation and upward movement on QRIS. Who We Are: Educator and Provider Support of Western MA Region 1 EEC funding for professional development is shared by five (5) regions across the state. Preschool Enrichment Team, (PET), is a program of Valley Opportunity Council, (VOC) and is the lead agency for the EPS grant in Region 1. Region 1 includes Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire counties. Our Work with Colleges The EPS grant allows us to contract with colleges & universities to provide funding for courses and advising for eligible educators for free, or at a significantly reduced cost. EPS WM Region 1 carefully selects courses offered by the colleges that meet educator needs and align with EEC Professional Qualifications Certification, Early Learning Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers, Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences and the MA Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). There are three ways that this funding is provided. One is through scheduling and subsidizing full courses specifically for educators in the community and another is by offering a subsidy (paid to the college) to allow students to apply for a seat in a regularly scheduled course at the college of their choice. The subsidy is usually $500 for an individual seat at a community college and $1000 for a course at a 4 year institution. (There are limited openings in this second type of subsidy so responding early is highly recommended.) We also help support educators enrolled in one of our 2+2 programs (at MCLA and ELMS) by providing targeted $1000 tuition subsidies for summer coursework when other financial aid assistance is limited. This is why students who are matriculated into degree programs already are encouraged to apply for the EEC Scholarship first whenever possible. (www.osfa.mass.edu) Kim Audette, our Academic and Career Advancement Coordinator offers information and initial advising to Educators seeking to take college courses to obtain EEC certifications or advanced degrees. She also works with the colleges and program directors to support course offerings needed by our community. She reviews all EPS applications for funding and academic eligibility before forwarding them to college personnel for enrollment and registration. 2
Eligibility Requirements Educators interested in EPS Region 1 College Courses must meet the requirements listed below. Please note that EPS Region 1 prioritizes providers and educators serving children with high needs and EEC subsidies (vouchers and contracted slots)*. Eligibility Requirements: Must be employed in a Massachusetts EEC Licensed or authorized group, family or out-ofschool time program. Must be ACTIVE (not PENDING or EXPIRED) on EEC s Professional Qualifications Registry (PQR). For more information about the PQR visit: https://www.eec.state.ma.us/pqregistry/. If you need assistance registering or updating your PQR contact: Kim Audette at: audettek@gcc.mass.edu or 413 775-1270 or info@preschoolenrichmentteam.org. Must attach an up-to-date Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP). If you need assistance creating an IPDP contact Kim Audette (audettek@gcc.mass.edu) or see our website: www.preschoolenrichmentteam.org and click on the Academic and Career Tab for the form and instructions. Must have employer sign verification statement on application and IPDP indicating that the college course aligns with the educator s IPDP and/or the program s QRIS goals. If you are an independent family child care provider, please ask your licensor, CFCE Coordinator or a parent to sign off for you. Must meet the criteria for acceptance at the college or university offering the course. Some require prior courses or a placement test to be taken first (prerequisites). Priority will be given to educators who work in a program that: a. Serves high needs children (according to EEC s priority listing*) b. Accepts Vouchers c. Is participating in the Massachusetts Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) d. Is in the region 1 Catchment area: Berkshires, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties *EEC Priority listing: EEC defines high needs children as children who have multiple risk factors that are linked to poor school and life outcomes such as: children and parents with special needs, children whose home language is not English, families and children involved with many state agencies, English language learners, children with parents who are deployed and are not living on a military base, recent immigrants, low-income households, parents with less than a high school education, children who are homeless or move more than once a year, and children in racial and ethnic communities that experience social exclusion (ELCG, p13). EEC maintains a list of programs which meet these requirements that the EPS will refer to. 3
EPS Region 1 College Course Funding Application & Selection Process APPLICATION PROCESS: Step 1: Educator makes initial contact either through PET or individual colleges or universities about the grant and course offerings. Step 2: Educator completes EPS Region 1 Application for College Course Subsidies including employer signature. (Found at www.preschoolenrichmentteam.org under the academic/career tab or attached here) and returns application and IPDP to Preschool Enrichment Team (attn: Emily Fitzgerald). Step 3: ACA Coordinator reviews application for EPS Region 1 requirements and eligibility. If eligible, ACA Coordinator informs designated college/university faculty to review for college/university requirements. Step 4: Designated college/university faculty determines college/university requirement eligibility and informs ACA Coordinator of outcome. Step 5: College connects with individual students to complete registration packet and any other enrollment or placement testing requirements. Step 6: After add/drop period, college invoices PET-directly for subsidized tuition and fees. Students are responsible for all books & materials and occasional additional college specific fees for individual classes (up to $50 at most per class). SELECTION PROCESS: Educators will be selected based on: application date, EEC and EPS priorities, applicant (or program) demonstration of interest and the requirements of the individual college /university.* *Please note that any educator who previously enrolled in an EPS Region 1 funded college course and did not properly withdraw from the course, failed more than 1 course or withdrew from 2 or more courses after the add/drop period, will be ineligible for any EPS Region 1 funded college courses for the following year. COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS: Colleges and universities often have slightly different requirements for enrollment. Educators must meet the requirements of the college/university where the course will be offered to receive the EPS subsidy. These requirements may include but are not limited to: Satisfactory College Placement Exam scores (Accuplacer) Submittal of Official Transcripts from other institutions of higher education Submittal of High School Diploma or GED Course Registration form College Application or enrollment forms 4
Frequently Asked Questions What is a course prerequisite? When a course has a prerequisite, it means you must have documented prior knowledge or skill to be successful in the course. The prior knowledge may be a skill (types 35wpm), ability (speaks and writes Spanish fluently), a test score (satisfactory placement test scores); or successful completion of a prior course (must have completed ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or better). Completion of the prerequisite is required prior to enrolling in the course. Prerequisites are checked by colleges during registration. You are required to show proof of meeting prerequisites. What does it mean to enroll or matriculate in a college degree? To matriculate means that you apply to be accepted into a degree-granting program at the college (such as Early Childhood Education), and are working towards a college degree. You are not matriculated if you are taking one course, but haven t applied to be accepted to a degree program at the college. Once matriculated, you will be assigned an advisor who will work with you to complete your degree. What is an online or brick & click/hybrid college course? On line classes are taught totally on-line, with no face-to-face meetings. Students usually have one week to complete assignments on their own schedule. Instructors will post timelines and assignment due dates each week. Students taking these courses need to be computer literate and able to establish, and stick to a schedule that works for them. Brick & Click or Hybrid college courses meet face-to-face a certain percentage of the time. The remaining classwork is done on-line in between these meetings. Easy access to a computer is necessary and basic computer and literacy skills extremely helpful. What is a credit? Colleges measure the time spent in class as credits. A college will grant credits based on the number of hours you attend the course. Usually, a course is 3 or 4 credits. The tuition (cost) for a course is often based on the cost per credit as well as fees the individual college charges. For example, if a college charges $150 per credit, a 3-credit course will cost $450. A college will also specify how many credits you need to get a degree. For example, if you need 60 credits to graduate, and the college offers 3-credit courses, you will need to take 20 courses in order to graduate. What is the college placement exam or ACCUPLACER tests? The purpose of ACCUPLACER tests is to provide you with useful information about your academic skills in math, English, and reading. The results of the assessment, in conjunction with your academic background, are used by academic advisors and counselors to determine your course selection and eligibility. All questions are multiple choice, except the essay. On the day of the test, you should be sure to bring photo identification and any other special materials your college may ask you to bring. Each college has information about the test on their website. Usually there is a link for reviewing the material being asked and for taking practice tests as well. 5
What is the EEC Professional Certification Qualification? To work in a group child care program as a Teacher, Lead Teacher, Site Coordinator (for OST) or Director (I and II), you must be qualified. There are six positions you can qualify for: Infant-Toddler Teacher; Preschool Teacher; Infant -Toddler Lead Teacher; Preschool Lead Teacher; Director I/Site Coordinator; or Director II. These qualifications can be applied to work in Family Child Care and Out-of-School-Time programs also although the job titles may differ. What is an IPDP? An Individualized Professional Development Plan (IPDP) is a document that will help outline your unique pathway and the steps necessary to achieve academic and career goals. These are required of ALL educators working in EEC licensed programs under the guidelines of the QRIS system. What is EEC s PQ Registry? EEC's Professional Qualifications Registry gathers important information on the size, composition, education, and experience of our current workforce. It stores information about the retention and turnover of educators working in early education and out-of-school time programs. This information will help EEC build a workforce development system that responds to the needs of all educators and programs in Massachusetts. Educators working in programs serving children from birth through 12 years of age, regardless of setting, are required to create an individual educator profile in the PQ Registry. https://www.eec.state.ma.us/pqregistry/ What is a related field of study for early education? Related fields of study for early education include: child care, child development, health care, child psychology, social work, or the provision of direct services to children and their families. Related fields of study for school age child care can be more inclusive and include: all the preceding fields and early childhood education, elementary or special education, family studies, recreation, physical education, human services, the arts and possibly S.T.E.M. fields. 6
Fall 2015, Spring and Summer 2016 EPS supported College Courses and Programs All Early Childhood and Out of School Time Staff are welcome to apply for financial support and enrollment in either the EPS supported courses below OR for individual seats in other courses during the fall, spring or summer semesters (summer courses must start before June 30 th ). Individual courses are suggested by the applicants and must apply to efforts to obtain either EEC Professional Certification or a College Degree. Enrollment in the B.A. programs is open until August 28 th only. Fall 2015 Courses Fall Applications Due By August 27, 2015 BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Pittsfield, MA.) ECE 101-02: Early Childhood Growth and Development Online (3 credits) September 8 - December 23, 2015 A study of child development from embryo through eight years including maturational, emotional, intellectual-cognitive, verbal, and social factors. This course stresses the understanding of major theories of development and requires recording observations of child behavior. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor or Satisfactory scores on the placement test or a college transcript showing ENG 101 eligibility. GREENFIELD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Greenfield, MA.) EDU 201-13: Early Childhood Curriculum (3 credits) Wednesdays: 6:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. September 8 - December 14, 2015 Organization of curriculum including the research, theory, methods and materials necessary in a classroom of young children. Emphasis on reading readiness and language skills. Prerequisites: EDU 101 (Intro to early childhood education) or Permission of ACA Coordinator and satisfactory placement test scores or a transcript showing ENG 101 eligibility. HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Holyoke, MA.) EDU 220-: Childcare Administration I Online (3 credits) September 12 December 14, 2015 Course content will focus on information and skills necessary for operating and managing a variety of early childhood programs (Public, private, and corporate). This will include the study of organizational management structures. State regulations as they apply to licensing, QRIS and NAEYC standards, budget development and family and community connections will be examined. Prerequisite: DEEC Lead Teacher certification. Employment in a licensed child care facility working directly with preschool aged children for a minimum of 12 hours a week and 18 months minimum employment in the field. 7
Spring 2016 Courses Spring Applications Due By January 20, 2016 BERKSHIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Pittsfield, MA.) ECE 220-: Infant and Toddler Care Online (3 credits) January 25 May 13, 2016 A focused study of childcare from birth through 36 months. Course includes history of infant and toddler care; types of programs and when they are appropriate; nurturing environments; health and safety considerations; and developmental stages from cognitive, motor, language, and social skills perspectives. Prerequisites: Child Growth and Development or PSY 204. GREENFIELD COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Greenfield, MA.) PSY 233-13: Child Behavior and Development (3 credits) Tuesdays: 6:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. February 2 - May 10, 2016 Focuses on the development of the child from conception to adolescence. The concept of development is explored in depth and all aspects of the developing child are considered: social, emotional, physical, verbal, intellectual and creative. Major theories of child development are reviewed. Research in child development is studied with particular attention paid to naturalistic observation. Prerequisite: Satisfactory placement tests scores and either Introduction to Psychology or Permission of Academic and Career Advancement Coordinator. HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Holyoke, MA.) EDU 208-: Children with Disabilities in the Educational Setting - Online (3 credits) January 26 May 10, 2016 This course provides a survey of the unique needs of children with disabilities and "at-risk" students within the educational context. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the origin and characteristics of specific disabilities, and development of collaborative intervention strategies that meet the needs of all children. A 20-hour service learning unit in an inclusive educational setting is required. (Can be done in eligible worksites). Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development with a grade of C or better and eligibility for ENG 101. 8
Summer 2016 Courses HOLYOKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Holyoke, MA.) EDU 120: Guiding Children's Behavior (3 Credits) 3 Evenings a week May 26 - through June 30, 2016 This course is designed as an introduction to strategies in guiding children's behavior in the classroom. The focus of the class will be on the prevention of behavior problems through appropriate teaching practices, classroom design, class expectations and social interactions. Prerequisite: Child Growth and Development with a grade of C or better and Eligibility for ENG 101 Fall, Spring or Summer I Sessions Individual course seats for non-sponsored classes EPS has a limited number of individual course subsidies for up to $500 towards a class that is not being offered above but that an educator needs to advance along their degree or certification pathway. It is up to the educator to: find the class, let us know when it is being offered, what the full course number, section and name is, how it is being taught (on-line, face-to-face) and what college it is being offered at. Without this information, the request cannot be reviewed. See next page for information on supported B.A. completion programs 9
EPS Supported B.A. Completion Programs Both Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and ELMS College are partnering with EPS to offer accelerated B.A. completion programs for ECE and OST educators who already have associate degrees or close to 60 credits towards their degrees. EPS has contracted with the schools to provide $1000 towards a summer class for eligible students. The balance will hopefully be covered by other financial aid sources including the EEC scholarship where applicable. Both colleges are offering this degree in an accelerated form and at reduced rates for EEC certified educators. Educators who are interested, apply to become part of a B.A. focused cohort and agree to take all needed classes over a 20 month period. Therefore you cannot apply for an individual class. Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Degree: B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies The Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies: Children, Families and Society, is a degree completion program for Early Childhood Educators. Attaining this degree enables Early Childhood Educators to meet requirements of the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) under the Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). Under the QRIS system, to ensure children's healthy development, early educators must have formal coursework in early childhood education as well as subject area content, along with ongoing professional development that is linked to enhanced classroom activities, increased understanding of children's social-emotional development, and understanding impacts on development and learning. The Interdisciplinary Studies: Children, Families and Society program is designed for early childhood educators who have work experience in the field and hold an associate s degree (45-64 transfer credits). The program is designed for the adult learner who is managing work and family demands. In completing this degree, students will be prepared to work in an array of early care and education programs, private schools, early intervention programs, museums, playgrounds, and other specialized educational settings such as Head Start, Even Start, and Healthy Families. The program uses a cohort style learning format allowing students to begin their course of study with a group of their peers and proceed through the program together. Classes are offered in the evening and online to help students meet the demands of work, family, and their studies. Prior learning credits are available for work and life experience. Classes are conveniently held in Pittsfield on Thursday nights from 5:00 9:00 pm. For more information or to enroll in courses at MCLA, contact: Barbara Emanuel DGCE Program Coordinator 413-662-5576 B.Emanuel@MCLA.edu 10
Elms College at Greenfield Community College B.A. Degree Completion Program in Early Care and Education The Early Care and Education degree completion program is designed for working people who already have an associate s degree. A bachelor s degree can be completed in 20 months with classes held on Saturdays and on-line in 10 eight-week sessions beginning in August 2015. Students join a cohort and remain in that group throughout the program. All classes are held at Greenfield Community College, One College Drive, Greenfield, MA 01301. The Early Care and Education program is for early childhood educators who wish to work in community based early care and educational settings such as Head Start, family day care and early childhood centers. The program is a non-licensure program and does not prepare students to work in public schools. Students can apply to the Elms Bachelor s Degree Completion Program in Early Care and Education with an associate s degree from an accredited college with minimum GPA of 2.0 and a grade of C or better in Child Behavior and Development and Early Childhood Special Education. The bachelor s degree program requires 120 credits. You can transfer in a maximum of 78* credits from GCC or other accredited colleges. A minimum of 42 credits must be earned through Elms College. *Allowing that all core and major requirements are met Early Care and Education BA Program Technology for ECE Educators Writing in the Profession Sign Language for ECE Educators Introduction to Multicultural Literature First and Second Language Acquisition Ethics Intro to Cultural Competency Mental Health and Mental Illness Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment of Young Children Early Literacy and Bilingualism Addressing Challenging Behaviors Inquiry Based Strategies for Teaching Math to Young Children Nature and Environmental Curriculum: an inquiry based approached Racial and Social Ethnic Groups World Religion Advanced Case Studies in Child Psychology Health and Nutrition for Early Care and Education Public Policy and Advocacy Capstone Portfolio Seminar For more information or to apply for the ELMS B.A. program, contact: Benjamin Conrick Off-campus Program Coordinator at GCC 413-335-0961 conrickb@elms.edu. EPS will help support eligible students in the ELMS program with a subsidy of up to $1000 towards a summer 2016 course. Please complete the EPS application if you want to be eligible for this support. Students are eligible for other financial aid and the EEC scholarship to support their degree completion as well. 11
Applications Available Online at: www.preschoolenrichmentteam.org Please complete the application in its entirety, attach your IPDP, and be sure to review the EDUCATOR AGREEMENT AND ELIGIBILTY REQUIREMENTS before signing and returning via: Fax: 877-635-0920 Postal Mail: PET/VOC Attn: Emily Fitzgerald 35 Mt. Carmel Avenue Chicopee, MA 01013 Scan/email with signatures: EFitzgerald@valleyopp.com For more information contact Kim Audette 413-775-1270 or Audettek@gcc.mass.edu 12